Transformations of Housing in the M'Zab Valley: Contemporary Urban Challenges and Threats to Identity

Recent urban development in the M’Zab Valley poses significant threats to its architectural identity and sustainable urban planning. While new housing projects outside the traditional ksour are necessary to meet growing demand, they disrupt the valley's historical landscape and Saharan aesthetic. A chronological analysis of these transformations reveals shifts in design elements, raising questions about the preservation of cultural heritage and the impact on built identity. The study highlights the tension between modernization and the maintenance of unique urban characteristics that have long defined the region.

Islam, S. M., & Dhaher, N. (2025). Transformations of Housing in the M’Zab Valley: Contemporary Urban Challenges and Threats to Identity. Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.38027/iccaua2025en0056